Game Design Event to Challenge, Inspire Students

Dozens of computer animation and game development students at California State University, Chico will test their skills in a 48-hour game design event starting at 5 p.m. today, Jan. 23, in O’Connell Technology Center, Room 136.

Global Game Jam connects developers from around the world to design video games around a central theme, kept secret until the start of the event.

During the weekend, the CSU, Chico students will work together in teams to develop a game from start to finish in just two days. Thousands are expected to participate at other locations, including the Google campus, Facebook headquarters, MIT and USC.

Students may design their games in voluntary compliance with proposed constraints, such as making the game playable on an electronic wristwatch or featuring recognizable elements from the developer’s hometown.

A special hashtag, #ggjLive, will feature live broadcast feeds from competition sites around the world.

“Events like this can help developers break out of their routine work cycles,” said Jeff Underwood, a lecturer in the Computer Animation and Game Development Program. “This particular weekend is about being really, really creative.”

Since the first event in 2009, Global Game Jam has grown to encompass 72 countries, 23,000 participants, 488 locations and 4,292 game projects.